ow
crossing open spaces, now making their way through the dense scrub.

At length Jack began to suspect that they had marched much longer than
was necessary to gain the desired position. He interrogated the guide,
who, in his replies, showed some hesitation, and at length confessed
that a considerable period had elapsed since he had come that road.

"I was afraid so," said Jack. "We must look out for a spot where we can
encamp until daylight, when we shall be able to ascertain our true
position. If we march further we may get beyond the pah, and be too
late for the assault."

The party were then in a small valley, commanded on the left side by a
wooded hill, from whence an enemy might fire down with impunity upon
them. The guide asserted there was no risk of this, and advised Jack to
advance for a short time longer, assuring him that they should soon
reach the position he wished to gain.

He was so confident in his manner that Jack allowed him to continue
ahead to lead the way. As they advanced, however, the valley narrowed
so that the party might be assaulted on both sides. Still, as no enemy
appeared, his belief in the guide's honesty returned. Again the valley
opened out; a hill appeared on the left side, sloping gradually up from
the valley. Jack determined to take possession of it, and to remain
there until daylight. He accordingly sent Tim Nolan on to Tom, who had
charge of the guide, directing him to halt until the main body came up,
when he hoped the guide would find a path by which the hill might be
ascended. Tim quickly returned, reporting that the guide had
disappeared and although two of Tom's men had instantly set off in
pursuit, they had been unable to find him. This looked suspicious, and
made Jack more than ever anxious to get into a secure position. A path
was found leading up the hill. He determined to pursue it, though steep
and narrow, directing the men to be prepared for an attack, as he
thought it possible that the hill might be in possession of the Maoris.
In perfect silence they proceeded, two men abreast, for the path would
allow of no more. At any moment they might hear the crack of the
enemy's rifles, and a shower of bullets might come rattling about their
ears. Still they went boldly on.

Up and up they ascended among the tall trees. It was too dark to see
more than a few yards ahead; and Jack issued orders that should the
enemy appear, his men were to fire a volley and c